Chapter 1: Brutal Escape

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Once again, I found myself running through the familiar dark hallway. It was the last thing I can remember after I had managed to hit the deactivate button and turn off any power that remained. I abruptly whipped around a corner, suddenly met with unknown territory. Usually, I make it twenty feet before my kidnapper catches up to me, but tonight, I ran the farthest I've ever ran without a doubt. 

Lucky for me, I've mapped out every corner, every crevice, and every possible escape route of this place. Being trapped alone for four years gives you a lot of time to think to yourself, allowing me to be more than well-prepared for moments like this one. I took a left and noticed that the security cameras were now on again. He must've turned the power back on, and now, he knew exactly where to find me; it was only a matter of time. 

I immediately picked up the pace and thought carefully: two more right turns until I have earned my freedom.

I heard his loud footsteps trailing close behind, nearly causing all the breath to escape from my body. The only sound that existed in this moment was the loud beating of my heart and the exasperated pants escaping from my lips. I glanced briefly over my shoulder, only to peer into utter darkness behind me. Except, I knew he was there, creeping in the shadows and ready to pounce on me yet again.

I needed to get out of here right now; four years is too long to be kept hidden. I noticed a dim light ahead, outlining the door that was my exit. I fixated my eyes on the key that was hanging high above the door frame, mentally preparing myself to make that jump. 

I knew these last moments were a race; not between me and my kidnapper, but between myself and how bad I wanted this. 

I dived for the key, feeling the rusted metal on my fingers for one second before it clinked onto the ground. I fell to my knees instantly, scanning the ground frantically for the key. Behind me, I could hear his maniac laugh approaching, just as I finally gained sight of the shimmering metal on the floor. I stood up fast, and began fumbling with the lock. My hands were impossible to keep steady, just knowing he could grab me from behind at any moment now.  

Suddenly, everything fell into place; the key slid into the lock and I heard the most angelic click that signified I was free. I wanted to pause this moment and relish in it for a few seconds just to soak in the beauty of it all. I could walk out this door right now and finally see the real world again. Except, the hard part had just begun; I had to get him off of my track. 

When I ran through the door, I was met with a clear, open field. Looking back, I realized this whole time I was trapped in a rustic abandoned building; one that has similarly also never seen the light of day. 

I scanned my surroundings for a moment, hoping to catch sight of another house nearby. 

"Don't move!" My kidnapper yelled, breathlessly standing in the door frame a few feet away from me. 

I have spent four years absolutely terrified of this man and everything he is capable of. He took me away from some of my most precious years of life, just so he could feel powerful over an innocent teenager. I want nothing more than to see this man rot in hell for all the sick, twisted things he put me through. And now, I was out of his captivity and I no longer wanted to fear him. He doesn't get to have control over my life anymore; I've let that go on for far too long. 

"Fuck you!" I yelled, before running towards the bright lights in the distance.

As I got closer, my face lit up at the sight of a house. Luckily, the lights were on, so I knew someone must be home. 

Moments later, I jumped onto the front porch with my kidnapper hot on my trail. I needed to get inside right away before he got to me, I can't bare the thought of what he would do if he got his hands on me again. Without hesitation, I started knocking as hard as I could, my fists smashing one after the other. 

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